Nine family-friendly hotels on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

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Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: Open for over two decades, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita remains an oldie, but a goodie for families. In addition to its slew of kid- and adult-friendly to-dos (hiking, kayaking and snorkeling, to name a few), the hotel also offers children’s menus at all its restaurants, plus kids’ and teens’ clubs, a lazy river, and a family-friendly pool with an infinity edge overlooking the ocean. Oyster.com

Guests also have access to two pretty beaches, both with calm waters. Parents traveling with babies will especially appreciate amenities like baby toiletries, childproofing items for rooms, and free cribs, high chairs, strollers, playpens, baby bathtubs and changing stations. But don’t worry — an adults-only pool is also on the premises, when you need to sneak in some me time. Oyster.com

Here, guests will find a full-size pirate ship, hot tubs, a swim-up bar and a kids’ play area. The beach here is beautiful, too, but swimming can be dangerous as the water is rough at times. Rooms come with kitchenettes or full kitchens — especially handy if you’re traveling with kids — and balconies. All of that, plus casual restaurants and a three-floor spa, make up for the fact that time-share sellers here can be pushy. Oyster.com

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta: Couples, be warned: While this upscale all-inclusive has a somewhat secluded beachside location surrounded by steep, jungle-covered hillsides, kids are a common sight and sound. Families will be well taken care of, with a narrow stretch of beach, multiple pools (one with a swim-up bar), spacious suites (all feature balconies and a separate living room area with a sofa bed; the Family Suite comes with two bathrooms) and a jam-packed activities schedule — aerobics, water sports, beach volleyball, archery and basketball are all available. Other family-friendly features include a kids’ club (for ages 5 to 12) and nightly theater shows. If you’re itching to get off the property grounds, though, Puerto Vallarta’s zoo and the snorkeling area around Los Arcos are nearby. Oyster.com

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Located on a serene section of Nuevo Vallarta, far from the action of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the type of place that allows parents and kids to have fun — together and separately. Families will enjoy bonding at the beach, three-tier infinity pool and multiple restaurants, while kids will find plenty of entertainment themselves at the supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs (sandcastle building and arts and crafts are part of the former; the latter features video games and pool tables). Every room here is a suite, with a balcony and ocean views, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. There’s also a gorgeous spa that makes it possible for parents to feel like they’re on a romantic break, while the kids are kept busy. Oyster.com

For families, there’s also kids’ and teens’ clubs with games, and in the evening, a theater puts on live shows. A lot of dining options (from higher-end a la carte restaurants to massive buffets) suit a variety of palates, and the chic spa and lovely pond dotted with fire pits are top spots to unwind when you need a break from all that activity. Oyster.com

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: Ready-made for romantic couples, groups of friends, and families looking to have some fun in the sun, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is versatile enough for many types of guests. Unfortunately, the beach isn’t swimmable here — an issue throughout Los Cabos — but this all-inclusive more than makes up for it with plenty of places to splash around: a massive free-form pool, an infinity pool overlooking the sand, a boozier adult pool, and a large kids’ pool with water slides and a jungle gym. Oyster.com

Marival Residences Luxury Resort: This all-inclusive in Nuevo Vallarta is not the place to go if you’re in the mood for partying the day and night away. It is, however, the place to go for apartment-style units and an impressive array of amenities. Romantic enough for couples, but still kid-friendly enough for families, the property houses two outdoor pools and a beach club that’s a five-minute walk away. Oyster.com

Guests with little ones will enjoy the kids’ club and special family concierge that provides cribs, playpens, strollers, tricycles, car seats, swim diapers, beach toys, games and more. However, guests must choose the Family Emotion plan (pricier than the all-inclusive rates) in order to use the family concierge, which also includes eight hours of free babysitting per five-night stay — meaning parents can enjoy the world-class spa and stunning rooftop lounge solo. Oyster.com

Melia Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive: As a family-friendly all-inclusive, it’s no surprise that kids’ features reign supreme here. Expect a kids’ club, a kids’ pool and special family rooms with bunk beds, on top of a pool with a swim-up bar, tennis courts, an archery range, a mini-golf course, batting cages and multiple restaurants and bars. Oyster.com

One & Only Palmilla: One & Only Palmilla, a 15-minute drive from San Jose del Cabo, allows families to choose just how activity-packed they’d like their vacation to be — guests can lounge by the pool (there are two beautiful options, including a family-friendly pool and an adult pool, with a swim-up bar and hot tub) or spend the day in the supervised kids’ club, which is packed with games, a jungle gym and movies. Other fun family-focused activities: spotting whales in the Sea of Cortez (a horn alerts guests for sightings), splashing around in the swimmable beach, and dining at one of the wonderful restaurants. For parents, there’s an elegant spa with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a 27-hole golf course, tennis courts and a yacht that can be rented for excursions. Luxe touches — like personal concierges and butlers — don’t hurt either. Oyster.com

The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta Resort: The Grand Mayan’s pool complex is all the convincing you’ll need to book a stay here. It comes with a massive main pool, fun kiddie pool, kid-friendly water park, Mayan ruin-themed waterslide, and excellent wave pool. A lazy river that peacefully meanders throughout the property is a nice finishing touch. But if that doesn’t draw you in, the spacious rooms, stunning beach, world-class golf course and exquisite spa should seal the deal. One downside? Resort employees consistently push time-share sales on guests, which might put a damper on your relaxing vacation vibe. Oyster.com

Traveling with kids means no more spa days, poolside cocktails, and late-night entertainment while on vacation, right? Wrong. Below are nine family-friendly resorts in Mexico — all on the Pacific side — that keep both adults and little ones happy, thanks to features like kids’ clubs, sports activities, and kids’ pools as well as elegant spas, designated adults-only areas, and sophisticated dining options. Some properties even supply baby-friendly amenities (cribs, toys, car seats), so you can still breeze through security without the hassle of extra luggage. And, if you’d rather head to Mexico’s Caribbean side, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Open for over two decades, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita remains an oldie, but a goodie for families. In addition to its slew of kid- and adult-friendly to-dos (hiking, kayaking and snorkeling, to name a few), the hotel also offers children’s menus at all its restaurants, plus kids’ and teens’ clubs, a lazy river, and a family-friendly pool with an infinity edge overlooking the ocean. Guests also have access to two pretty beaches, both with calm waters. Parents traveling with babies will especially appreciate amenities like baby toiletries, childproofing items for rooms, and free cribs, high chairs, strollers, playpens, baby bathtubs and changing stations. But don’t worry — an adults-only pool is also on the premises, when you need to sneak in some me time.

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Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya: Parents heading to Azul Beach Resort, pack light — the 97-room resort, located on a secluded beach, has a toy-lending program. That’s on top of a kiddie pool, kids’ menus at the on-site restaurants, fun kids’ club, and child-size gym with ropes, parallel bars and daily activities for kids of all ages. Babysitting services are also on offer, so that adults can enjoy the private beach, outdoor pools and even a tequila lounge in peace. Oyster.com

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda: One of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts on the Yucatan Peninsula, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda is chock-full of amenities that will keep your kids off their phones. Amenities include access to a beautiful beach with sun loungers; a kids’ club with games and activities (like face-painting and air hockey); several swimming pools, including one with a pirate ship playground, inflatable bridges and a swim-up bar; babysitting services; and many restaurants with kids’ menus. Vacationers wanting to splurge can opt for the Family Concierge-level rooms, which grant entry into a private pool and club lounge, plus expedited service. Oyster.com

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa: Between the kids’ club (including a water park and rock-climbing wall), the teens’ club (with video games), the holistic, jungle-set spa, and the on-site temazcal with a small cenote for hosting ceremonies, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa has something for all ages. Some might prefer the adults-only accommodations (here’s looking at you, honeymooners), but if family bonding is the top priority, there are shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, water sports, swimming pools and nightly entertainment the whole brood can enjoy together. Oyster.com

Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma: About halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma has families’ best interests in mind. The bustling all-inclusive is teeming with kid-friendly amenities, from the kids’ club with games and art projects to the giant outdoor pool. Oyster.com

Amenities like strollers, cribs, changing tables and bottle warmers are also available upon request. In the evening, families gather for movies by the pool and dance shows. Though the ambiance here is more rowdy than relaxing, with kids running amok and beach volleyball games in full swing, parents searching for some “me” time can enjoy some of the amenities at the adults-only El Dorado Royale next door. Oyster.com

Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The 80-plus acres of beachfront mangroves that comprise Grand Velas Riviera Maya are home to everything families could want from an all-inclusive — and then some: access to gorgeous white-sand beach, a stunning spa, three pool complexes, multiple restaurants — most of which have kids’ menus — separate kid-friendly and adults-only buildings, free non-motorized water ports, fun kids’ clubs, babysitting services (for a fee), and activities like beach Olympics, movies and treasure hunts. It also happens to be a 40-minute drive from Xel-Ha Park, the world’s largest aquarium where you can swim with dolphins, and a 20-minute drive from Xcaret Eco Park — in case you wish to leave the property. Oyster.com

Hyatt Ziva Cancun: Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Hyatt Ziva Cancun isn’t just one of the kid-friendliest properties in the Hotel Zone; it’s also one of the best all-around all-inclusives in the area. The property caters to families — a kids’ club with a pool and water play area, an on-site dolphin habitat, and entertainment like theater shows, water activities, and tennis and dance lessons are among the highlights. There are also three infinity-edge pools, extensive spa facilities and a myriad of dining and drinking options. Those who wish to avoid the family scene, however, can opt for the adults-only tower, which features a pool and dining for grown-ups only. Oyster.com

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort: The kids’ club at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, an all-inclusive resort along Cancun’s Mayan Riviera, is tough to beat. It has multiple themed rooms — like a mini racetrack, an arcade, an art room and a life-sized doll house room — plus a snack bar, outdoor playground and mini-theater — all of which keep kids’ imaginations running wild. The property is also home to other impressive amenities like a dolphinarium and several pools, including one with waterslides, a Flowrider machine and swim-up bar (a nice perk since the beaches in this area are often strewn with seaweed). Oyster.com

Paradisus Cancun: There are many reasons families might choose Paradisus Cancun for their next vacation getaway. The 668-room all-inclusive features spacious rooms (including Family Concierge suites with child-friendly amenities like bathrobes and slippers for kids and turndown service with milk and cookies), multiple restaurants and bars, a large free-form swimming pool, a plethora of activities (water sports, a tennis court and a golf course, to name a few), and three play zones for babies, kids and teenagers. Couples (and families with no kids) can also opt for the adults-only Royal Service section of the resort, which has private beach and swimming pool areas, butler service and other pampering perks. Oyster.com

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Located on a serene section of Nuevo Vallarta, far from the action of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the type of place that allows parents and kids to have fun — together and separately. Families will enjoy bonding at the beach, three-tier infinity pool and multiple restaurants, while kids will find plenty of entertainment themselves at the supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs (sandcastle building and arts and crafts are part of the former; the latter features video games and pool tables). Every room here is a suite, with a balcony and ocean views, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. There’s also a gorgeous spa that makes it possible for parents to feel like they’re on a romantic break, while the kids are kept busy.

The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta Resort

The Grand Mayan’s pool complex is all the convincing you’ll need to book a stay here. It comes with a massive main pool, fun kiddie pool, kid-friendly water park, Mayan ruin-themed waterslide, and excellent wave pool. A lazy river that peacefully meanders throughout the property is a nice finishing touch. But if that doesn’t draw you in, the spacious rooms, stunning beach, world-class golf course and exquisite spa should seal the deal. One downside? Resort employees consistently push time-share sales on guests, which might put a damper on your relaxing vacation vibe.

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Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Jamaica: Families traveling with kids in tow need not worry about their little ones staying busy at this all-inclusive resort. With a kids’ camp, several pools, activities including breakfast with Sesame Street characters and an expansive water park, children will be entertained through and through. Speaking of the latter, the 18,000-square-foot water park is perfect for kids of all ages, with everything from 200-foot-long waterslides to a lazy river to a plunge pool. That’s not to say there’s nothing to entertain mom and dad. An onsite spa, candlelit dinner for two and swim-up bars — plus a location right on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach — keep grown-ups happy as well. Oyster.com

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, Turks and Caicos: This family-friendly resort in Providenciales might entertain its guests with multiple pools (several of which have swim-up bars), a shopping center, large spa complex, and numerous restaurants and bars, but that’s arguably not even its biggest draw. Visitors looking for a mega-fun time might think the property’s crown jewel is its 45,000-square-foot water park instead. Whether your idea of fun is floating down a 650-foot lazy river, hanging 10 with a surf simulator, getting blasted with water cannons, wading in a whirlpool or throwing your hands up while plummeting down fast-flying waterslides, this sprawling space brings fun for all ages. Oyster.com

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St. Lucia: The 250-room Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa offers the best of both worlds: a section for adults (Harmony) and one for families (Splash). In the Splash section, you’ll find the kid-friendly pool with a separate swim-up bar for adults and children, as well as the water park, which features waterslides, a lazy river and a small plunge pool. Meanwhile, grown-ups can take advantage of the 11,000-square-foot spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and an adults-only pool with heated whirlpool and waiter service. Of course, the mile-long beach, with sun loungers and umbrellas, is also a great spot to get your vacation on. Oyster.com

Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico: If you’re coming to Cancun to relax, the Crown Paradise Club might not be the place for you, even though it’s located directly on the beach. The ambience here is undoubtedly lively, thanks in large part to the multiple pools (family pool, kids pool and adults-only pool), dedicated baby club with stimulating toys and a bounce house, kids-only water park with fountains and slides, and a teens’ club with video games, ping-pong and darts. And for older kids and young adults, there’s a water park adventure area, which has a sand volleyball court, serpentine waterslides, a rock-climbing wall and zip lines. Oyster.com

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Jamaica: Situated on Jamaica’s resort-heavy north shore, Montego Bay's Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa has all the typical trimmings of an excellent all-inclusive resort (a pretty beach, a relaxing spa, several restaurants and a couple of pools). However, it manages to stand out among the rest of the pack, thanks to the onsite water park — the largest in Jamaica... Oyster.com

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Jamaica: Connected to the expansive lagoon-style pool complex, this oasis appeals to both kids and adults with a 280-foot slide, a lazy river, several terraced pools, and a jungle garden with a rope-and-wood suspension bridge. Throw in poolside drink service, plus a swim-up bar, and you can count on a lively and loud atmosphere. Oyster.com

Iberostar Paraiso Lindo, Mexico: Between Cancun and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya, this all-inclusive property encourages guests to get outside. The inviting private beach is lined with plenty of sun loungers and offers water sports, like kayaking and snorkeling. Other ways to cool off: lounge on the lazy river or in the wave pool, play water polo in the activity pool, romp with kids in the water park that features waterslides, or enjoy a cocktail or two by the swim-up bar in the main pool. Oyster.com

Memories Splash Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: For more adrenaline-pumping adventures, head to the 370-foot Black Hole waterslide that seems to defy the laws of physics. The Kamikaze waterslide also thrills with a 50-foot vertical drop and stellar views of the resort. Oyster.com

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Mexico: Located along Cancun’s Riviera Maya, the massive Moon Palace compound, which is divided into three sections — Nizuc, Sunrise and Moon Grand — caters to kids inside and out. The Sunrise kids’ club, with a mini racetrack, art room and arcade, keeps little ones happy indoors. Outside, there’s a water park with slides, a swim-up bar and a Flowrider machine. Just don’t expect pristine white sand and turquoise waters at the property — unlike the Hotel Zone, the beaches in this area of town often have an unpleasant odor and are strewn with seaweed. Oyster.com

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, Mexico: Divided into adults-only and family-friendly sections, this all-inclusive resort and spa in Playa del Carmen combines multiple things that make Mexico a must-visit destination: a natural cenote with great snorkeling, Mayan culture, jungle grounds with roaming animals, outdoor pools and a beautiful beach. Also there to occupy little ones is the water park, which features 17 waterslides and a variety of shallow water play areas. For older kids, there’s a kids’ club with a movie screening room, video games and a small rock climbing wall. Nightly shows, guided walks, dance classes and beach activities round out the offerings nicely. Oyster.com

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Couples, be warned: While this upscale all-inclusive has a somewhat secluded beachside location surrounded by steep, jungle-covered hillsides, kids are a common sight and sound. Families will be well taken care of, with a narrow stretch of beach, multiple pools (one with a swim-up bar), spacious suites (all feature balconies and a separate living room area with a sofa bed; the Family Suite comes with two bathrooms) and a jam-packed activities schedule — aerobics, water sports, beach volleyball, archery and basketball are all available. Other family-friendly features include a kids’ club (for ages 5 to 12) and nightly theater shows. If you’re itching to get off the property grounds, though, Puerto Vallarta’s zoo and the snorkeling area around Los Arcos are nearby.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Ready-made for romantic couples, groups of friends, and families looking to have some fun in the sun, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is versatile enough for many types of guests. Unfortunately, the beach isn’t swimmable here — an issue throughout Los Cabos — but this all-inclusive more than makes up for it with plenty of places to splash around: a massive free-form pool, an infinity pool overlooking the sand, a boozier adult pool, and a large kids’ pool with water slides and a jungle gym. For families, there’s also kids’ and teens’ clubs with games, and in the evening, a theater puts on live shows. A lot of dining options (from higher-end a la carte restaurants to massive buffets) suit a variety of palates, and the chic spa and lovely pond dotted with fire pits are top spots to unwind when you need a break from all that activity.

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Mexico City: Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City is conspicuously absent from the State Department’s warning, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitors — including street art, colorful markets and more than 150 museums. Getty Images

Puebla: Once considered a nice day trip from Mexico City (it’s two hours away by car), Puebla is emerging as a primary destination in its own right. After all, it’s not a small village; Puebla is Mexico’s fourth-largest city, with some of the country’s best examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Additionally, at 7,200 feet above sea level, Puebla never gets too hot, and it’s considered one of the safest places in Mexico. Getty Images/iStockphoto

San Miguel de Allende: San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the middle of Mexico and offers cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial churches and plenty of great restaurants. The nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco, less than 10 miles away, is also a World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site for penitent Mexicans and tourists alike. Getty Images

Tulum: As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence of late, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative at present. It is also less touristy than other resort towns on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering well-preserved ruins of the former Mayan city walls and other historic structures right in town. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Huatulco: A beach town located in Oaxaca to the southwest of Puerto Escondido, Huatalco offers tons of water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, some nearby surf spots, and tours of coffee farms to boot. While Huatulco itself is considered one of the safest places in Mexico, the State Department is restricting travel along Highway 200 in the area (except to and from the airport), so you may not want to wander too far. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Merida and Valladolid: Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, senior account executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. “A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers won’t regret visiting them,” he says. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Bacalar: Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, senior account executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is “an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.” Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. Bacalar holds the official designation as a “Pueblo Magico,” or Magical Town, due in large part to the lagoon. In addition to being one of the safest places in Mexico, Bacalar is also very affordable. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Guanajuato: Why visit Guanajuato? Think old mines, a mummy museum and streets so narrow that one is called the Alley of the Kiss because couples can smooch one another from opposite sides. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. Visitors to the area are mostly native Mexicans, so you can immerse yourself in the culture fairly well; try a miner’s enchilada if you get a chance. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Campeche: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a walled Spanish colonial city that has been superbly restored nearly to its former glory. The walled center is somewhat of a museum piece, but the life of the town surrounding it might even be the main attraction. There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these aren’t as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such they’re less crowded. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Queretaro: Queretaro’s streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Yelapa: Yelapa is “Mexico’s last authentic beach town,” says Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, senior account executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, “and is definitely under the radar. [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels and none of the inflated prices.” Note that it’s in one of the State Department’s orange zones, while nearby Puerto Vallarta is exempted — so you’ll want to do a bit more research before choosing this part of Jalisco. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Todos Santos: This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beauty — and it’s just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. Todos Santos is slowly being discovered, but its stone streets and uncrowded beaches have earned it the official Pueblo Magico designation. Getty Images/iStockphoto

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This all-inclusive in Nuevo Vallarta is not the place to go if you’re in the mood for partying the day and night away. It is, however, the place to go for apartment-style units and an impressive array of amenities. Romantic enough for couples, but still kid-friendly enough for families, the property houses two outdoor pools and a beach club that’s a five-minute walk away. Guests with little ones will enjoy the kids’ club and special family concierge that provides cribs, playpens, strollers, tricycles, car seats, swim diapers, beach toys, games and more. However, guests must choose the Family Emotion plan (pricier than the all-inclusive rates) in order to use the family concierge, which also includes eight hours of free babysitting per five-night stay — meaning parents can enjoy the world-class spa and stunning rooftop lounge solo.

Melia Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

As a family-friendly all-inclusive, it’s no surprise that kids’ features reign supreme here. Expect a kids’ club, a kids’ pool and special family rooms with bunk beds, on top of a pool with a swim-up bar, tennis courts, an archery range, a mini-golf course, batting cages and multiple restaurants and bars. A rock-climbing wall and children’s spa offer even more activity — and distract from the fact that the beach here is a bit narrow and somewhat disappointing.

One & Only Palmilla

One & Only Palmilla, a 15-minute drive from San Jose del Cabo, allows families to choose just how activity-packed they’d like their vacation to be — guests can lounge by the pool (there are two beautiful options, including a family-friendly pool and an adult pool, with a swim-up bar and hot tub) or spend the day in the supervised kids’ club, which is packed with games, a jungle gym and movies. Other fun family-focused activities: spotting whales in the Sea of Cortez (a horn alerts guests for sightings), splashing around in the swimmable beach, and dining at one of the wonderful restaurants. For parents, there’s an elegant spa with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a 27-hole golf course, tennis courts and a yacht that can be rented for excursions. Luxe touches — like personal concierges and butlers — don’t hurt either.

Villa Del Arco Beach Resort & Grand Spa

Like any good all-inclusive worth its salt, Villa Del Arco Beach Resort & Grand Spa highlights one of its best assets — the large pool complex. Here, guests will find a full-size pirate ship, hot tubs, a swim-up bar and a kids’ play area. The beach here is beautiful, too, but swimming can be dangerous as the water is rough at times. Rooms come with kitchenettes or full kitchens — especially handy if you’re traveling with kids — and balconies. All of that, plus casual restaurants and a three-floor spa, make up for the fact that time-share sellers here can be pushy.